How this tool changes learning in a way that isn't possible without technology
Memory Keepers Unit: Students will learn how to interview a subject by reading two expository texts on conducting interviews. Studentswill read, synthesize and summarize the information of one of the texts. Thenstudents will compare the two texts and analyze how the authors' achieved similar purposes through the different organizational patterns of the texts.
Bubble.us.com
As students read and synthesize the information they will start creating their organizer. If this is done on paper the organizer cannot be changed even if new information or supporting information is discovered later in the text.
With an online mind-mapping tool the map can be changed as the text is read and synthesized. As the student discovers and understands relationships between information they can move and connect that information easily. Organization of information is understood by the mind-mapping tool, but more importantly relationships between information is ALSO illustrated.
After interviewing subjects, students will create a timeline of events in their subject's life. The timeline will be a way of displaying the subjects life events in chronological order and will be one of their project artifacts.
Tiki-Toki
(timeline maker)
An online timeline is a visual that allows the viewer to create and see the span of an event, lifetime, experience, etc. Students can create a timeline on paper, but they can't manipulate, change or add to it after it has been created. Also, my students will add their own life span on the timeline next to their interviewee to illustrate visually the difference in lifetime experiences. I can also add events to the timeline to illustrate the different experiences and events the subject has lived through.
After recording their interviews, students will write an interview essay based on their interview information. Students will format a multi-paragraph essay with an intro. & conclusion, appropriately organized with a clearly stated thesis or controlling idea (memories can be used as inspiration and warnings), and details that support the thesis/controlling idea.
readwritethink.org
With the essay organizer, students can create and organize their interview information easily into an outline before they write. They can get feedback on their organization and then edit, change, rearrange, add to, or take from their work where needed. This helps students see their organization and support clearly or see where they lack support and need organization. It alleviates the frustration of having to go back and recreate a whole new outline
Students will write a letter to their interviewee to thank them for their time and for the information and experiences they've shared. Students write a friendly letter organizing it and including the appropriate information. Students will use the appropriate steps in the writing process and reflect on genre, audience and purpose for writing.
lettrs.com
Image of letter
The bests thing about this Web 2.0 tool is that it gives students the option of either having their letter delivered by email or printed and delivered through the mail in an envelope. They could easily write a letter on paper, but this option gives them the tools of an online word processor, choices of different stationary, fonts and colors of ink and to have it delivered on a preset date in the future - say like Mother's Day or a b-day. The website does the hard work.
With an online mind-mapping tool the map can be changed as the text is read and synthesized. As the student discovers and understands relationships between information they can move and connect that information easily. Organization of information is understood by the mind-mapping tool, but more importantly relationships between information is ALSO illustrated.
(timeline maker)